From “screen time” to screen times: Measuring the temporality of media use in the messy reality of family life

Abstract The discrepancy between children’s actual amount of viewing time and parents’ accounts their concerns, rules, parental mediation choices has been documented in empirical research, typically interpreted through the lens Uses Gratifications theory – showing how parents change attitudes towards screen media order to satisfy own needs. Based on a qualitative longitudinal research project, including app-based diaries, with 20 families at least one child aged eight or younger, we aim make two contributions literature. With regard theory, highlight heterogeneous contingent ways balancing place digital lives that arise from navigating discourses, social pressures, daily schedules. methods, argue for combination data diaries contextualise interpret potential discrepancies reported anxieties hopes about media.